About this project

$6,660

pledged of $4,000 goal

160

backers

Supporting the next LEAP in the vision of "We Two Boys"-

A note from Meshi:

I began this fundraiser looking at logical steps. I needed to raise money to support a production in Portland and to cover cost of getting to New Mexico. When this kickstarter launched I was blown away by how quickly support, words of inspiration, and the call to action happened. I am humbled by the big hearts and minds of our supporters. As I choreograph the dance, I often find myself referring to my Butoh teachers words... "create the consciousness and the movement will follow." You as a community of supporters are doing that VERY thing, creating a "consciousness" around this work, and the movement IS following. Now is the opportunity to seed the grand future of this work. You have inspired me to share my ultimate vision for "We Two Boys." This show needs to be seen by the world. People need to be touched and transformed by it. This is bigger than just Portland or Albuquerque and I have known this from the moment the creation process started. This story wants to be told. Through your continued help, I believe this leap can be achieved. I believe a wind can blow across what started as a small project and turn it into a passionate flame that will touch the hearts and minds of many. Join us in the taking this project from an evolution to a revolution.

Thank you!!!

Meshi

"We Two Boys" a multi-layered duet between two men, captures the
timeless journey of love, attraction, struggle, and surrender. Viewers are
drawn in, finding themselves wrestling with the stories of love and
sexuality while being captivated by the familiarity of their own lives as
the dance unfolds before them. "We Two Boys" is a powerful
narrative of a relationship that transcends labels of "gay" or
"straight" and becomes a provocative story of human nature.

Based
on Walt Whitman's poem "We Two Boys Together Clinging" and
incorporating the art of Butoh dance, this work is an ever evolving
journey of my heart as a gay man, choreographer and
dancer. Being able to bring this work to a national level is a personal
and professional dream, and a necessary conversation in light
of political issues facing our society about equality.

The
premiere of the reworked piece will be performed in Portland at Studio Two May
18-20 and tour to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Wild Dancing West Festival
May 25 & 26. It will serve as a launch pad for further performances around
the country. The newly informed, inspired, and revised piece has a stellar
artistic team - live music composed by Adrian Hutapea, choreography by Meshi
Chavez, and dancers Meshi Chavez and Chip Sherman.

My
opportunity to bring this work to Wild Dancing West is particularly close to my
heart since I grew up in Albuquerque. This will be a homecoming allowing me to
return back to the origin of my birth, and to the community that I left behind
in pursuit of my personal and artistic survival. “We Two Boys” addresses some
of the challenges I faced in this city coming out as a gay man. The opportunity
to take “We Two Boys” to Albuquerque seems particularly appropriate and
auspicious.

I
am seeking funding to be used to pay for Portland performance venue fees,
costume and lighting designer fees, travel cost to New Mexico, as well as
Artist fees. If "We Two Boys" speaks to you, I hope you will consider
investing to continue the momentum.

Portland Show dates: May 18, 19, 20 @ Studio Two

Albuquerque Show dates: May 25 & 26 Wild Dancing West Festival at the North 4th Theater

FAQ

Yes! We have decided to offer the option to download/ or stream "We Two Boys" on Vimeo.com. This download/ streaming option will be offered at the $50, $100, & $200 levels. Backers will be able to choose either receiving a a DVD or receiving the password to the download. We are happy to ship you a DVD, but encourage the download/streaming option.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

HERO
You will receive:
2 tickets to opening night in Portland, OR
+ Invitation to an after opening night party at Studio Two where you can talk to the creative team behind "We Two Boys," and nibble on some food and drink.
+ Your name in our Portland, OR show program
+ DVD of "We Two Boys," with your name in the credits.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

SHINING STAR
You will receive:
4 tickets to "We Two Boys" in Portland, OR
+ Invitation to the "We Two Boys" catered cast party where you can talk, drink and get your dance party on with the crew of "We Two Boys."
+ DVD of "We Two Boys," with your name in the credits.